From Victor Osula, Abuja
The first batch of 270 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic tensions arrived safely in Lagos on Thursday as the Federal Government intensified efforts to protect citizens affected by the unrest and facilitate their reintegration into the country.
The returnees landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, at about 10:15 a.m. aboard an Air Peace aircraft deployed for the evacuation exercise under the Federal Government’s voluntary return programme.
The evacuation followed reports of fresh attacks, threats, and growing hostility against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, raising concerns over the safety of Nigerian residents and other migrant communities in the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the returnees had voluntarily registered for the programme and completed the necessary screening processes before their departure from South Africa.
The statement, signed by the Head of Operations of the NEMA Lagos Operations Office, Mr Mohammed Olatunde, noted that officials of the agency, alongside representatives of other government agencies and relevant stakeholders, were on hand at the airport to receive the returnees and facilitate their reintegration.
According to Olatunde, the Federal Government made arrangements to transport the returnees to their various destinations across the country, while ambulance services and other emergency medical support were provided for those requiring immediate medical attention.
He reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring the safe reception of Nigerians returning home from abroad.
“The programme is designed to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of Nigerian citizens,” Olatunde said, adding that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support the welfare and reintegration of returnees.
Officials said the evacuation was arranged to assist Nigerians who had expressed concerns over their safety amid escalating tensions and incidents of violence reportedly directed at foreigners and foreign-owned businesses in South Africa.
The latest operation comes against the backdrop of recurring xenophobic attacks in South Africa, where foreign nationals, including Nigerians, have repeatedly faced hostility during periods of social and economic unrest.
Previous outbreaks of violence have resulted in deaths, injuries, destruction of property, and the displacement of affected residents.
The Federal Government had earlier assured Nigerians living in South Africa that it was closely monitoring developments and engaging South African authorities to guarantee their protection and prevent further escalation of hostilities.
Authorities have also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens abroad through diplomatic engagement and emergency interventions where necessary.
The government said discussions with South African officials would continue to address the causes of the tensions and ensure the safety of Nigerians still residing in the country.
Thursday’s arrival marks the first phase of the evacuation exercise, with government agencies expected to continue assessing the needs of affected citizens and providing support aimed at easing their reintegration into Nigerian society.
